S. aureus Virulence Factors

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S. aureus Virulence Factors

S. aureus is the most pathogenic member of the genus Staphylococcus; it possesses several factors that contribute to its virulence:
  • Structural components of its cell wall function as a protective barrier, aid in adherence to mucous membranes, and allow the organism to resist phagocytosis.
  • The production of several different toxins
    • Enterotoxins A, D, F (TSST1)
    • Exfoliative toxin (causing scalded skin syndrome)
    • Cytolytic toxins (causing cell & tissue damage)
  • Production of enzymes
    • Catalase – distinguishes staphylococci from streptococci
    • Coagulase – distinguishes S. aureus from other staphylococci
    • Hyaluronidase and lipase – aid in skin colonization/infection spread
    • Beta-lactamase – breaks down the beta-lactam antibiotics (eg, penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, monobactams)